Waves and Wave Interactions

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

An electromagnetic wave does not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

Front

Define frequency in the context of waves.

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, indicating the wave's energy.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.